Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review by Edmonds.com

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or the “Baby Benz” as it is affectionately known, has been a favorite of entry-level luxury/sport sedan buyers for years. More than just a small sedan with a few three-pointed stars thrown on it, the C-Class provides the core strengths of the brand, such as cutting-edge safety features, lively performance and a feeling of solidity. Fans of ultra-high performance have been thrilled by the AMG versions, which boast blistering acceleration and tenacious handling along with tastefully sporty styling accents.

Style plays into the equation of the small Benz’s appeal as well, with the C-Class drawing inspiration from bigger Benzes. The front and rear fascias are instantly recognizable as part of the Mercedes family. In the recent past, the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class wasn’t up to the car’s traditional standards in terms of quality, but Mercedes has largely rectified the situation on the latest generation of the car.

Invariably, the C-Class is cross-shopped with its German rivals, the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. While the 3 Series is traditionally the most sporting of the trio and the A4 the more luxury-themed, the Benz offers a little of both personalities, along with superior technology features and more prestige for those concerned about such things.

Current Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Interior Shown

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is available in four trim levels: C300 Luxury, C300 Sport, C350 and C63 AMG. The C300 Luxury and C300 Sport share the same engine (a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque), but differ in exterior styling elements, interior trim, front seat design and standard transmission. A seven-speed automatic is standard on the C300 Luxury and optional on the C300 Sport, which comes with a six-speed manual. Both C300s can be had with an all-wheel-drive system known as 4Matic. The C350 comes only in Sport guise and powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed auto is the only transmission choice.

The ultimate C-Class is known as the C63 AMG, a high-performance sports edition with a 6.2-liter V8 shoehorned under the hood. Sending 451 hp and 443 lb-ft to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed automatic, the C63 is a wild machine that accelerates to 60 mph in a lightning-quick 4.4 seconds. Other performance upgrades include a wider front track, revised steering and suspension, meaty 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and aggressively bolstered seats. There are also noticeable exterior styling differences.

In reviews, we’ve welcomed the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class as a significant improvement over its forebears. The Luxury and Sport flavors of the base model should help attract a wider array of new and traditional buyers, and the interior is mostly up to date in terms of features and design, though it’s still not a standout. The C63 AMG is a feather in the company’s cap, a ridiculously powerful small sedan that can keep up with the vaunted M3 and sounds better to boot. While the C-Class may be a tad too expensive given its size, power and equipment level, there’s no denying the attraction of this refined, luxurious Baby Benz.

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